Court Session Held December 31

STAFF REPORT

President Judge Douglas W. Herman of the 39th Judicial District and the Fulton/ Franklin County Court of Common Pleas presided over a court session held on Tuesday, December 31, at the Fulton County Courthouse.

 Steven Victory Anderson appeared for mandatory arraignment last Tuesday on three counts of driving under the influence of a controlled substance; one count each of possession of a small amount of marijuana, the use or possession of drug paraphernalia and accidents involving damage to attended property; and six summary offenses. Anderson pleaded guilty to one count of driving under the influence of a controlled substance and failure to contact police regarding accidents or damage. He will be sentenced January 21.

 Brandon Wade Baughman waived his right for formal arraignment held on one count each of burglary, criminal mischief, recklessly endangering another person and criminal trespassing. Baughman pleaded guilty to criminal mischief and will be sentenced January 21.

 Mitchell Vincent Knipp waived formal arraignment proceedings held on two counts of simple assault, three counts of recklessly endangering another person and one count of aggravated assault. Knipp pleaded not guilty and is next scheduled to appear in court for the January call of the criminal trial list.

 Angela Marie Mellott waived her right to arraignment and entered a not guilty plea to aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, harassment and criminal mischief. Mellott will appear in court for the January call of the criminal trial list.

 Daniel Garth Shaw waived arraignment proceedings held on two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol and seven summary offenses. Shaw pleaded guilty to one count of drunk driving and was sentenced to 30 days in the Franklin County Jail. He is eligible for work release.

 Joshua Allen Gosnell appeared for a hearing to terminate participation in the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. Gosnell requested a 12- month extension to complete the requirements of the program. A written court order was issued in the matter.

 Ryan Alan McWilliams appeared for a hearing to terminate participation in the ARD program. McWilliams admitted to the violations and will be resentenced January 21.

 Dennis Ray Thomas appeared in court last Tuesday for a bail modification hearing. Bail was reduced to $40,000 straight bail. He is forbidden to have contact with the victim or the victim’s family.

 Andre Terell Keene appeared on a petition to reduce bail. A hearing was held, and the court denied Keene’s motion.

 Daniel Emerson Strait Jr. appeared for a pre-trial conference on charges of defrauding secured creditors. Strait’s trial in the matter was set for March 26.

 Nicholas Wayne Swope Jr. appeared via video conferencing for revocation of participation in the State Intermediate Punishment program. Swope was resentenced to 18 to 36 months in a state correctional institution. Credit was granted for time previously served.